Consumer News: Cracker Barrel backtracks on rebranding after customer backlash

Research finds that heavy use of multiple AI tools can overload workers cognitive capacity

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Brain fry is a new workplace phenomenon linked to heavy AI use, defined as mental fatigue caused by excessive interaction with or oversight of AI tools.

• About 14% of AI-using workers report experiencing it, with symptoms including mental fog, headaches, and slower decision-making.

• Researchers say the risk rises when workers juggle multiple AI tools or agents, creating cognitive overload that can increase mistakes and even raise employees intentions to quit.

Artificial intelligence is widely marketed as the ultimate productivity boosterautomating tedious tasks, drafting documents, and accelerating decisions. But new research suggests that for some workers, too much AI may actually strain the brain rather than lighten the workload.

Researchers writing in the Harvard Business Review have coined a new term for the phenomenon: AI brain fry. The phrase describes mental fatigue that occurs when workers interact with or oversee AI tools beyond their cognitive capacity.

The condition appears to be an emerging side effect of the rapid adoption of generative AI across workplaces, where employees often juggle multiple chatbots, coding assistants, and automated systems simultaneously.

When productivity tools become cognitive burdens

The study, conducted by researchers from Boston Consulting Group and the University of California, Riverside, surveyed 1,488 full-time U.S. workers about their use of AI on the job. About 14% said they had experienced brain fry, reporting symptoms such as mental fog, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and slower decision-making.

While the percentage might seem modest, researchers describe it as an early warning sign as more companies push employees to adopt AI tools and even measure their usage as a performance metric.

The core problem, researchers say, is not simply using AIbut managing it. Supervising AI outputs, checking for errors, and coordinating multiple systems can create a heavy cognitive load.

Workers often find themselves bouncing between toolsusing one AI to generate drafts, another to analyze data, and yet another to make recommendationswhile still verifying the accuracy of each output. That constant switching and oversight can overwhelm the brains processing capacity.

A paradox of the AI workplace

Ironically, the workers most affected appear to be high performers and early adopters of AI. These employees are often the first to integrate multiple AI systems into their workflow, increasing both productivity and mental strain.

The research also highlights the paradox of AI productivity. Moving from one to two AI tools may boost efficiency, but productivity gains declineand can even reverseas more tools are added.

As a result, the supposed time savings from AI can turn into more work at a faster pace, with workers constantly reviewing and refining machine-generated outputs.

The business costs of mental overload

The effects of brain fry extend beyond employee well-being. The study found that workers experiencing the condition reported 33% more decision fatigue and significantly higher rates of major mistakes compared with colleagues who did not report it.

Researchers also found a troubling link to retention: employees suffering from brain fry were more likely to consider quitting their jobs.

For companies embracing AI at scale, that could translate into costly errors, reduced productivity, and higher turnover.

Despite the risks, researchers emphasize that AI itself is not the problem. In fact, the study found that using AI to automate repetitive tasks can actually reduce burnout, lowering stress levels among workers.

The researchers say the key difference lies in how AI is integrated into workflows. Systems designed to eliminate routine tasks tend to help employees, while those that require constant supervision or coordination among multiple tools are more likely to produce cognitive overload.

As companies rush to embed AI into everyday work, the findings suggest leaders may need to rethink how they measure and encourage AI use. Incentivizing employees simply to use more AI could backfire by increasing mental strain and reducing decision quality.

The broader lesson may be that while AI can accelerate work, human brains still have limits. In the race to automate tasks, companies may need to ensure that the people overseeing the machines arent the ones getting overloaded.

The food protein trend is invading the snack sector

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Babybel launches Babybel PRO, a new snack cheese combining protein and probiotics in a single serving.

• Each mini cheese contains 5 grams of protein, 1 billion live LGG probiotics, and 50 calories.

• The product is available now at Target and select retailers, with expansion to Walmart and Kroger beginning in March.When it comes to food, protein is all the rage now. When it comes to snacks, theyre mostly ultraprocessed and unhealthy.

When it comes to food, protein is all the rage now. When it comes to snacks, theyre mostly ultraprocessed and unhealthy.

But what if you could merge the two make a snack thats high in both protein and probiotics? Babybel, maker of snack cheese, is betting it can and that consumers will embrace it.

The company has launched Babybel PRO, a new snack cheese with both protein and probiotics created to meet growing consumer demand for intentional and convenient snacks. Made with 100% real cheese and just four real ingredients, each individually wrapped Babybel PRO delivers 5g of protein and 1 billion live & active LGG probiotics, with just 50 calories.

The product combines protein and probiotics in a single, mini-sized cheese. This taps into the growing consumer demand for functional foods, which offer benefits beyond traditional formats like protein bars, shakes, probiotic beverages, and yogurts (Mintel, 2025).

"As shoppers increasingly seek out snacks that deliver both protein and probiotics, we recognized an opportunity to expand the Babybel portfolio, so consumers don't have to choose between goodness and enjoyment," said Jessica Dillon, senior brand director for Babybel. "To meet consumers' desire for both benefits in one snack, we brought them together in the playful, perfectly portioned format only Babybel can offer."

Reimagining snack cheese

From the companys standpoint, its meeting a growing demand. Its a nourishing bite after a daily walk, or a much-needed afternoon snack, the company said in a press release introducing the product.

Babybel PRO joins Babybel's existing lineup of cheeses and snack cheese alternative offerings, which are now available in nine varieties. including:

Babybel PRO is available now at Target and select retailers, with rollout to Walmart and Kroger beginning this month and broader nationwide distribution planned throughout 2026.

New guidance explains how parents and guardians can open accounts for children

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Treasury Department and IRS issued proposed regulations outlining how Trump Accounts will be opened, managed and administered.

• Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals could open the accounts for eligible children using a new IRS Form 4547, with elections due before the child turns 17.

• The proposal also explains who can open the accounts, who controls them while the child is a minor and how a $1,000 federal pilot contribution could be requested.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have released proposed regulations detailing how newly created Trump Accounts would operate, offering the first guidance for families interested in opening the accounts for children.

The proposal establishes general requirements for the accounts, definitions tied to eligibility and rules governing how an initial account may be opened by an authorized individual on behalf of a child. It also clarifies who will be responsible for managing the account until the beneficiary reaches legal capacity.

Trump Accounts are a pro-family initiative that will help millions of Americans harness the strength of our economy to lift up this generation and generations to follow and unlock the American Dream, IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said in a statement announcing the proposal.

The accounts were created as part of President Donald Trumps One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which the IRS said included the provision as a way to encourage long-term savings and financial investment for younger Americans.

How families could open accounts

Under the proposed rules, an authorized individual would open an initial Trump Account by filing Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s). The election could be submitted along with a federal tax return or through a separate IRS online portal.

The election must be made by Dec. 31 of the calendar year in which the eligible child turns 17.

The form also allows families to request a $1,000 pilot program contribution from the federal government for qualifying children under section 6434 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Treasury and the IRS said they designed the process to be as simple as possible, allowing individuals to complete a single-page election form rather than navigating a more complex application process.

Who can open the account

The proposal outlines who qualifies as an authorized individual to open an account for a child.

If the authorized individual is requesting the $1,000 pilot program contribution at the same time as opening the account, that person automatically has authority to make the election.

If the federal contribution is not requested at the same time, the proposed regulations establish a priority order for who may open the account:

1. A legal guardian

2. A parent

3. An adult sibling

4. A grandparent

Who controls the account

In most cases, the person who opens the initial Trump Account would become the responsible party for the account while the child is still a minor.

That individual would have authority to manage the account, including selecting among eligible investments, requesting certain rollovers or transfers and designating a successor responsible party if needed.

The IRS said it is requesting public comments on all aspects of the proposed regulations before final rules are issued.

The guidance is intended to help parents, guardians and financial institutions understand how the accounts will work and how families can participate once the rules are finalized.

Simple tricks drivers are using to pay less per gallon

• Use gas apps to find cheaper fuel. Apps like GasBuddy, Upside, and Waze help drivers locate the lowest prices and earn cash back.

• Earn grocery store fuel rewards. Programs from Kroger and Safeway let shoppers turn grocery spending into money off at the gas pump.

• Pay with a gas rewards credit card. Cards like the Citi Custom Cash Card and Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offer 35% cash back on fuel purchases.

For many Americans, fuel is one of the most unavoidable expenses. Commutes, errands, school drop-offs, and road trips mean most drivers have no choice but to keep filling the tank.

The good news for consumers is that gasoline is also one of the most hackable everyday expenses if you know where to look.

Savvy drivers routinely stack rewards programs, time their fill-ups, and use a few overlooked tricks to shave off 20 to 50 cents per gallonsometimes even more.

Here are some of the most effective ways to start paying less at the pump immediately.

1. Use gas apps to find the cheapest station nearby

Gas prices can vary dramatically even within a few miles.

Make it a habit to check gas prices before leaving work or heading out on errands. Prices often spike at high-traffic stations near highways and busy intersections.

Here are a few apps that can quickly help you find the cheapest gas in your town or when on a road trip.

• Upside:Upside is one of the more popular cashback apps for gas.You simply claim a deal in the app, fill up at the station, and get cash back (often up to 25 per gallon). You can then cash out through PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.

Why its great: The app works at thousands of stations and stacks with other credit card rewards.

• GasBuddy:GasBuddy shows you the cheapest gas prices near you using crowd-sourced data. Also, they have a GasBuddy+ Mastercard that you can apply for and save $0.03/gallon guaranteed when you use it to buy gas. Some stations will give you up to $0.33/gallon savings when you use the card.

Why its great: Since the app is widely used, and users are constantly updating prices, it tends to have the most accurate gas pricing that you can find.

• Checkout 51:The Checkout 51 app just recently started offering cash back on gas. Specifically, you can earn up to 25 per gallon back at stations including Shell, BP, Exxon, and Mobil. You simply snap a picture of your receipt after you fill up, via the app, and claim the cash back.

Why its great: Works at most national gas stations and also gives you cash back, via grocery rebates, on popular brands like Kelloggs, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Loreal, and Unilever.

• Waze:While known mainly as a navigation app, Waze also shows gas prices along your route and nearby stations.

Why its great: The app is perfect for road trips when you want the cheapest station along your drive.

• Shell Fuel Rewards (brand loyalty app):Gives 310 per gallon discounts depending on your reward status. Right now, new members can also earn $0.30/gallon on their thirdfill-up. In addition, you can earn additional reward savings through their partner grocery stores and restaurants.

Why its great: The Shell app is a simple automatic discount every time you fill up.

Pro tip: Use two of the above apps together to maximize your savings. For example:

• Find the cheapest station with GasBuddy.
• Claim a cash-back offer in Upside.
• Pay with a gas rewards credit card.

Stacking like that can cut 3060 per gallon in many cases.

2. Stack grocery store fuel rewards

One of the easiest ways to save big on gasoline is through grocery store loyalty programs.

Chains like Kroger and Safeway offer fuel rewards that accumulate as you shop.

A common structure looks like this:

• Spend $100 on groceries.
• Earn 10 cents off per gallon.

Those rewards can often stack up to $1 per gallon off if you build them over the month.

Some programs even offer bonus fuel points on gift cards, namely Kroger, which savvy shoppers use to multiply their gas discounts.

For example: Buying a $100 restaurant gift card during a 4X fuel-points promo could generate 40 cents per gallon in fuel savings.

Pro tip: If you regularly shop at grocery stores with fuel programs, consider buying gift cards for places you regularly do business with. (Think Amazon, restaurants, and streaming services.) By doing it this way, youll earn extra fuel points without spending anything additional.

3. Pay with the right credit card

Some credit cards offer excellent gas rewards, making them worth considering, especially if you have a long commute every day.

Here are three popular cards that fit the bill.

• Citi Custom Cash Card:
  • Rewards:5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (gas qualifies).
  • Cap:Up to $500 per month in that category.
  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Why its great: If you use the card mostly for gas, it automatically earns 5% back at the pump, making it one of the highest gas reward rates available.
• Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi:
  • Rewards:Youll get 5% cash back at Costco gas stations and 4% at other gas stations (up to $7,000 per year).
  • Annual fee: $0 (with a Costco membership).
  • Why its great: For Costco members, this card is one of the strongest fuel rewards options and can generate up to $350 per year in gas rewards before hitting the cap.
• Wells Fargo Autograph Card:
  • Rewards:3% back on gas, plus travel, dining, transit, and streaming.
  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Why its great: Its a simple no-annual-fee card with uncapped 3% rewards, making it a strong everyday option if you want gas rewards without having to track your category spending like some cards make you do.

4. Keep your tires properly inflated

One of the simplest ways to improve fuel efficiency costs nothing.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure.

That may sound small, but it definitely adds up over time.

Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%, saving you significant fuel over the life of your car.

5. Combine errands into one trip

Short trips with a cold engine burn significantly more fuel.

Planning errands strategically by hitting the grocery store, pharmacy, and bank in one outing, can reduce extra miles driven and fuel consumption.

Drivers who plan routes efficiently can cut several gallons of fuel per month simply by eliminating unnecessary trips.

Pro tip: Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze allow you to add multiple stops, which will automatically optimize the route for most fuel efficiency.

6. Lighten your vehicle

Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency.

According to the Department of Energy, every 100 pounds of extra weight in a vehicle can reduce fuel economy by about 1%.

That means hauling unnecessary gear, sports equipment, or tools around the trunk may be quietly increasing fuel costs.

Removing heavy items you dont regularly use can improve mileage slightly.

7. Fill up earlier in the week

Historically, gas prices often begin rising on Thursdays as demand increases ahead of weekend travel. This is especially true during the summer months.

Make Monday or Tuesday your fill-up day as those days often bring the lowest prices of the week in many markets.

While this pattern isnt guaranteed everywhere, drivers who track local price trends often learn when their area tends to spike and gas-up accordingly. In other words, start paying attention to the price trends in your town and use that information to your advantage.

Pro tip: Try to visit warehouse club gas stations early in the morning or late evening to avoid the long lines that often form during peak hours.

Experts reveal how a regulatory loophole may allow ingredients into everyday products without FDA safety review

• A new analysis found 111 food chemicals used in U.S. products that were never reviewed by the FDA.

• Companies can bypass oversight by declaring substances generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, without notifying regulators.

• Experts say the finding highlights transparency gaps in the food system and raises questions about how additives are monitored.

A new analysis is raising concerns about what might be quietly making its way into the foods Americans eat every day. Researchers found more than 100 chemicals added to U.S. foods that were never reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before entering the market.

The findings come from a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which identified 111 substances that manufacturers introduced into the food supply without submitting them to the FDA for review.

These ingredients may appear in thousands of products ranging from packaged snacks to beverages. While that doesnt necessarily mean theyre harmful, researchers say the lack of government evaluation raises important questions about safety and transparency in the food system.

The issue stems from a long-standing regulatory pathway known as generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, which allows certain food ingredients to bypass formal FDA approval under specific circumstances.

This is a wake-up call for every American who assumes the FDA is reviewing the safety of chemicals in their food, Melanie Benesh, EWGs vice president for government affairs, said in a news release.

Instead, food and chemical companies are exploiting a loophole to keep both the government and the public in the dark.

The loophole behind the findings

The GRAS rule dates back to 1958, when Congress created an exemption for common ingredients like salt, vinegar, and baking powder that were already widely understood to be safe.

But critics say the system has evolved in ways lawmakers never intended. Today, companies can determine on their own that a chemical qualifies as GRAS and begin using it in food products without mandatory FDA notification.

According to the EWG analysis, some of the unreviewed substances include plant extracts and alternative proteins. Examples cited in the report include aloe vera extract, mushroom extracts, and green tea extracts, which have been linked in some research to potential health concerns depending on the formulation and dosage.

Researchers say the bigger issue isnt necessarily any single ingredient its that regulators and consumers may not know these substances are being used at all. Without required disclosure or review, data on safety, exposure levels, and possible risks may never reach regulators or the public.

What consumers should know

Experts say the findings shouldnt cause panic, but they do highlight why paying attention to ingredients matters.

For consumers, a few practical steps can help reduce potential exposure to questionable additives:

• Limit ultra-processed foods. Many additives are most common in heavily processed products.

• Check ingredient lists. Unfamiliar extracts or chemical names can signal added processing.

• Choose simpler foods when possible. Fresh or minimally processed options typically contain fewer additives.

Advocates are also pushing for regulatory changes that would require companies to notify the FDA when they introduce new food chemicals and make safety data publicly available.

The FDAs failure to act for more than 60 years has made state leadership essential, said Benesh. Congress must close the GRAS loophole to restore trust in our food system.